Austin Utilities is considering mapping its approximately 6,500 utility poles to update it's property records.

Some of the current records are inadequate, so the company does not have an accurate account of their fixed assets, Support Services Director Walt Stevens said at the board meeting Tuesday.

Austin Utilities would enter into a contract with Osmose Utilities Services, Inc. to conduct the project. A representative from Osmose was at the meeting to explain the process and answer questions from board members.

The project would include mapping the current location of utility poles as well as assessing the value of all the different parts making up the poles

The project as presented at the meeting would cost about $60,000. That money is not budgeted, a fact which caused some hesitation from board members.

Since this would not be a budgeted item, they might have to shuffle some money in the budget to come up with the appropriate funds.

The utilities board tabled the matter until next month's meeting, so they could get more information and look at the current budget situation before deciding whether or not to pursue the project.

Matt Merritt can be reached at 434-2214 or by email at :mailto:matt.merritt@austindailyherald.com